Typically tardy for prayer breakfast, Blagojevich quickly departs

Gov. Rod Blagojevich showed up late for his prayer breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Wednesday, then left hastily before breakfast was served.

Meagan Sexton

Gov. Rod Blagojevich showed up late for his prayer breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Wednesday, then left hastily before breakfast was served.

That beat his performance in 2004, when he was the first no-show in the more than 40-year history of the event.

This time, the Democratic governor apologized, explaining to the audience that he needed to get to a meeting at the Executive Mansion to discuss a capital-spending bill he’s trying to get passed, then planned to get together with legislative leaders later in the day in Chicago.

“We have a golden opportunity here in Illinois to have a jobs program passed, a public works program, the capital bill we’re trying to get done,” Blagojevich said before he left. “But it requires bipartisan support and a bipartisan approach.”

During his speech, Blagojevich also addressed criticism by legislators and others about the way he does his job, saying he doesn’t have a “fancy governing philosophy.”

“When you’re elected governor, and I have had that opportunity and privilege twice now, it’s not like you get the chance to go to governor’s school,” Blagojevich said. “They don’t have a school for new governors, you just sort of have to figure out how to do the job.”

He said the last thing the legislature should do is attempt to solve the state’s fiscal problems by asking Illinoisans to pay more in taxes.

“What we ought to do is invest in our infrastructure, find creative ways, think outside the box, push and prod the system, don’t accept things the way they have always been, but try new approaches and invest in our infrastructure and build schools,” he said.

Before the governor arrived by plane from Chicago, Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch said he would not have time to answer reporters’ questions, including his response to the latest jobs-for-campaign-contributions allegations stemming from the corruption trial of Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko.

The governor arrived about 15 minutes late to the prayer breakfast, swiftly entering the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza through a service hallway and briskly exiting in the same manner.

He stayed for about 20 minutes of the 7:30 a.m. event, which lasted about an hour and a half.

Some lawmakers who were in attendance cited various reasons for the governor’s tardiness and quick departure.

“He’s a busy man, and he has a lot of responsibilities,” said Rep. Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg. “I have all the respect in the world for the position (of governor), and certainly when he tells me he has other meetings to go to, I assume that’s what he has.”

Sen. Deanna Demuzio, D-Carlinville, said being on time “always seems to be somewhat of an issue” for the governor.

Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, said, “As far as the governor coming late and leaving early, it may be obvious to some that he didn’t want to talk to the press.”

Bomke added the governor’s tardiness could have stemmed from his travel plans.

“It’s not uncommon for him to be late for this. One time, he didn’t make it at all,” he said.

Blagojevich’s Springfield appearance came a day after Ali Ata, a former high-ranking state official, in a plea agreement with federal prosecutors claimed the governor was on hand when Ata gave Rezko $25,000 for the Blagojevich campaign, and that Blagojevich immediately asked Rezko if he had discussed the possibility of a job on the state payroll for Ata.

Blagojevich, who denies trading jobs for contributions, has not been charged with criminal misconduct.

Meagan Sexton can be reached at (217) 782-6882.

Wheelchair athlete Driscoll speaks at Prayer Breakfast

SPRINGFIELD -- Jean Driscoll, a former Olympian and world-class wheelchair athlete, spoke Wednesday at the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast about being blessed with a wonderful life despite challenges she faced living with a disability.

Driscoll, who is also an author, motivational speaker and advocate worldwide for persons with disabilities, described her successes and failures growing up and how it helped her achieve victories in the Boston Marathon, where she captured seven consecutive titles and set five world records.

She also won silver medals in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and is a world record-holder in the 10,000-meter track event and marathon road racing distances.

Sports Illustrated for Women recognizes Driscoll as one of the top 25 female athletes of the 20th century.

“Oftentimes when people see the wheelchair, immediately there are ideas that form in their minds about maybe what it’s like to have to use a chair,” Driscoll said. “Maybe what my life has been like. Well I have to tell you, I have had an incredible life.”

She is co-founder of a nonprofit organization called Determined to Win.

Lawmakers present at the event described Driscoll as dynamic and inspirational.

“We look at the challenges in our life and the things we’re faced (with), and to think what she has done and her attitude is just an inspiration,” said Rep. Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg.

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